The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary 


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, October 18, 1998

plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson


(Note: Beginning with next week's study aid for October 25,

a modern Spanish version of the Bible will be added to the 3 English versions already on this webpage.)


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<GT> Psalm 40

KJV w/Strong# - {8} I delight <02654> to do <06213> thy will <07522>, O my God <0430>: yea, thy law <08451> [is] within <08432> my heart <04578>.

NRSV - 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 6 You do not want sacrifices and offerings; you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar or for sacrifices to take away sins. Instead, you have given me ears to hear you, 7 and so I answered, "Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law. 8 How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart."


<RR1> Mark 6

KJV w/Strong# - {34} And Jesus <2424>, when he came <1831> out, saw <1492> much <4183> people <3793>, and was moved <4697> with compassion <4697> toward <1909> them, because <3754> they were as sheep <4263> not having <2192> a shepherd <4166>: and he began <756> to teach <1321> them many <4183> things.

NRSV - 34 As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

TEV - "Jesus Feeds Five Thousand Men" - 33 Many people, however, saw them leave and knew at once who they were; so they went from all the towns and ran ahead by land and arrived at the place ahead of Jesus and his disciples. 34 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw this large crowd, and his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began to teach them many things. 35 When it was getting late, his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. 36 Send the people away, and let them go to the nearby farms and villages in order to buy themselves something to eat."


<RR2> Mark 12

KJV w/Strong# - {28} And one <1520> of the scribes <1122> came <4334>, and having heard <191> them reasoning <4802> together <4802>, and perceiving <1492> that he had answered <611> them well <2573>, asked <1905> him, Which <4169> is the first <4413> commandment <1785> of all <3956>? {29} And Jesus <2424> answered <611> him, The first <4413> of all <3956> the commandments <1785> [is], Hear <191>, O Israel <2474>; The Lord <2962> our God <2316> is one <1520> Lord <2962>: {30} And thou shalt love <25> the Lord <2962> thy God <2316> with all <3650> thy heart <2588>, and with all <3650> thy soul <5590>, and with all <3650> thy mind <1271>, and with all <3650> thy strength <2479>: this <3778> [is] the first <4413> commandment <1785>. {31} And the second <1208> [is] like <3664>, [namely] this <3778>, Thou shalt love <25> thy neighbour <4139> as thyself <4572>. There is none <3756> other <243> commandment <1785> greater <3187> than these <5130>. {32} And the scribe <1122> said <2036> unto him, Well <2573>, Master <1320>, thou hast said <2036> the truth <225>: for there is one <1520> God <2316>; and there is none <3756> other <243> but <4133> he: {33} And to love <25> him with all <3650> the heart <2588>, and with all <3650> the understanding <4907>, and with all <3650> the soul <5590>, and with all <3650> the strength <2479>, and to love <25> [his] neighbour <4139> as himself <1438>, is more <4119> than all <3956> whole <3646> burnt <3646> offerings <3646> and sacrifices <2378>. {34} And when Jesus <2424> saw <1492> that he answered <611> discreetly <3562>, he said <2036> unto him, Thou art <1488> not far <3112> from the kingdom <932> of God <2316>...

NRSV - 28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29 Jesus answered, "The first is, "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." 32 Then the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that "he is one, and besides him there is no other'; 33 and "to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and "to love one's neighbor as oneself,' -- this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."...

TEV - "The Great Commandment" - 28 A teacher of the Law was there who heard the discussion. He saw that Jesus had given the Sadducees a good answer, so he came to him with a question: "Which commandment is the most important of all?" 29 Jesus replied, "The most important one is this: "Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only Lord. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second most important commandment is this: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment more important than these two." 32 The teacher of the Law said to Jesus, "Well done, Teacher! It is true, as you say, that only the Lord is God and that there is no other god but he. 33 And man must love God with all his heart and with all his mind and with all his strength; and he must love his neighbor as he loves himself. It is more important to obey these two commandments than to offer on the altar animals and other sacrifices to God." 34 Jesus noticed how wise his answer was, and so he told him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." After this nobody dared to ask Jesus any more questions.


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<B1> Micah 6

KJV w/Strong# - {6} Wherewith <04100> shall I come <06923> before <06924> the LORD <03068>, [and] bow <03721> myself before the high <04791> God <0430>? shall I come <06923> before <06924> him with burnt <05930> offerings, with calves <05695> of a year <08141> old <01121>?

{8} He hath shewed <05046> thee, O man <0120>, what <04100> [is] good <02896>; and what <04100> doth the LORD <03068> require <01875> of thee, but to do <06213> justly <04941>, and to love <0160> mercy <02617>, and to walk <03212> humbly <06800> with thy God <0430>?

NRSV - 6 "With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

TEV - "What the LORD Requires" - 6 What shall I bring to the LORD, the God of heaven, when I come to worship him? Shall I bring the best calves to burn as offerings to him? 7 Will the LORD be pleased if I bring him thousands of sheep or endless streams of olive oil? Shall I offer him my first-born child to pay for my sins? 8 No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.


<B2> Psalm 119

KJV w/Strong# - {33} Teach <03384> me, O LORD <03068>, the way <01870> of thy statutes <02706>; and I shall keep <05341> it [unto] the end <06118>. {34} Give me understanding <0995>, and I shall keep <05341> thy law <08451>; yea, I shall observe <08104> it with [my] whole <03605> heart <03820>.

{47} And I will delight <08173> myself in thy commandments <04687>, which <0834> I have loved <0157>.

NRSV - 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

47 I find my delight in your commandments, because I love them.

TEV - "A Prayer for Understanding" - 33 Teach me, LORD, the meaning of your laws, and I will obey them at all times. 34 Explain your law to me, and I will obey it; I will keep it with all my heart. 35 Keep me obedient to your commandments, because in them I find happiness. 36 Give me the desire to obey your laws rather than to get rich. 37 Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised. 38 Keep your promise to me, your servant -- the promise you make to those who obey you. 39 Save me from the insults I fear; how wonderful are your judgments!

"Trusting the Law of the LORD" - 41 Show me how much you love me, LORD, and save me according to your promise. 42 Then I can answer those who insult me because I trust in your word. 43 Enable me to speak the truth at all times, because my hope is in your judgments. 44 I will always obey your law, forever and ever. 45 I will live in perfect freedom, because I try to obey your teachings. 46 I will announce your commands to kings and I will not be ashamed. 47 I find pleasure in obeying your commands, because I love them.


<B3> Psalm 40

KJV w/Strong# - {6} Sacrifice <02077> and offering <04503> thou didst not desire <02654>; mine ears <0241> hast thou opened <03738>: burnt <05930> offering and sin <02401> offering hast thou not required <07592>.

NRSV - 6 Sacrifice and offering you do not desire, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 6 You do not want sacrifices and offerings; you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar or for sacrifices to take away sins. Instead, you have given me ears to hear you, 7 and so I answered, "Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law. 8 How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart."


<B4> Hebrew 8

KJV w/Strong# - {10} For this <3778> [is] the covenant <1242> that I will make <1303> with the house <3624> of Israel <2474> after <3326> those <1565> days <2250>, saith <3004> the Lord <2962>; I will put <1325> my laws <3551> into <1519> their mind <1271>, and write <1924> them in their hearts <2588>: and I will be to them a God <2316>, and they shall be to me a people <2992>: {11} And they shall not teach <1321> every <1538> man his neighbour <4139>, and every <1538> man his brother <80>, saying <3004>, Know <1097> the Lord <2962>: for all <3956> shall know <1492> me, from the least <3398> to the greatest <3173>.

NRSV - 10 This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 11 And they shall not teach one another or say to each other, "Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

TEV - "Jesus Our High Priest" - 10 Now, this is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel in the days to come, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 11 None of them will have to teach his fellow citizen or tell his fellow countryman, "Know the Lord.' For they will all know me, from the least to the greatest. 12 I will forgive their sins and will no longer remember their wrongs."


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<B5> John 1

KJV w/Strong# - {17} For the law <3551> was given <1325> by Moses <3475>, [but] grace <5485> and truth <225> came <1096> by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>. {18} No <3762> man <3762> hath seen <3708> God <2316> at <4455> any <4455> time <4455>; the only <3439> begotten <3439> Son <5207>, which <3588> is in the bosom <2859> of the Father <3962>, he hath declared <1834> [him].

NRSV - 17 The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.

TEV - "The Word of Life" - 14 The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son. 15 John spoke about him. He cried out, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, "He comes after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born." 16 Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. 17 God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father's side, he has made him known.


<B6> John 7

KJV w/Strong# - {14} Now <2235> about the midst <3322> of the feast <1859> Jesus <2424> went <305> up into <1519> the temple <2411>, and taught <1321>. {15} And the Jews <2453> marvelled <2296>, saying <3004>, How <4459> knoweth <1492> this <3778> man letters <1121>, having never <3361> learned <3129>? {16} Jesus <2424> answered <611> them, and said <2036>, My doctrine <1322> is not mine <1699>, but his that sent <3992> me. {17} If <1437> any <5100> man will <2309> do <4160> his will <2307>, he shall know <1097> of the doctrine <1322>, whether <4220> it be of God <2316>, or <2228> [whether] I speak <2980> of myself <1683>.

{28} Then <3767> cried <2896> Jesus <2424> in the temple <2411> as he taught <1321>, saying <3004>, Ye both <2532> know <1492> me, and ye know <1492> whence <4159> I am <1510>: and I am not come <2064> of myself <1683>, but he that sent <3992> me is true <228>, whom <3739> ye know <1492> not. {29} But I know <1492> him: for I am <1510> from him, and he hath sent <649> me.

NRSV - 14 About the middle of the festival Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15 The Jews were astonished at it, saying, "How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?" 16 Then Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine but his who sent me. 17 Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own.

28 Then Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own. But the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. 29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me."

TEV - "Jesus at the Festival of Shelters" - 10 After his brothers had gone to the festival, Jesus also went; however, he did not go openly, but secretly. 11 The Jewish authorities were looking for him at the festival. "Where is he?" they asked. 12 There was much whispering about him in the crowd. "He is a good man," some people said. "No," others said, "he fools the people." 13 But no one talked about him openly, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. 14 The festival was nearly half over when Jesus went to the Temple and began teaching. 15 The Jewish authorities were greatly surprised and said, "How does this man know so much when he has never been to school?" 16 Jesus answered, "What I teach is not my own teaching, but it comes from God, who sent me. 17 Whoever is willing to do what God wants will know whether what I teach comes from God or whether I speak on my own authority. 18 A person who speaks on his own authority is trying to gain glory for himself. But he who wants glory for the one who sent him is honest, and there is nothing false in him. 19 Moses gave you the Law, didn't he? But not one of you obeys the Law. Why are you trying to kill me?" 20 "You have a demon in you!" the crowd answered. "Who is trying to kill you?"

"Is He the Messiah?" - 25 Some of the people of Jerusalem said, "Isn't this the man the authorities are trying to kill? 26 Look! He is talking in public, and they say nothing against him! Can it be that they really know that he is the Messiah? 27 But when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from. And we all know where this man comes from." 28 As Jesus taught in the Temple, he said in a loud voice, "Do you really know me and know where I am from? I have not come on my own authority. He who sent me, however, is truthful. You do not know him, 29 but I know him, because I come from him and he sent me."


<B7> John 10

KJV w/Strong# - {30} I and [my] Father <3962> are one <1520>.

NRSV - 30 The Father and I are one."

TEV - "Jesus Is Rejected" - 25 Jesus answered, "I have already told you, but you would not believe me. The deeds I do by my Father's authority speak on my behalf; 26 but you will not believe, for you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away from me. 29 What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father's care. 30 The Father and I are one."


<B8> Matthew 9

KJV w/Strong# - {35} And Jesus <2424> went <4013> about <4013> all <3956> the cities <4172> and villages <2968>, teaching <1321> in their synagogues <4864>, and preaching <2784> the gospel <2098> of the kingdom <932>, and healing <2323> every <3956> sickness <3554> and every <3956> disease <3119> among <1722> the people <2992>.

NRSV - 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.

TEV - "Jesus Has Pity for the People" - 35 Jesus went around visiting all the towns and villages. He taught in the synagogues, preached the Good News about the Kingdom, and healed people with every kind of disease and sickness. 36 As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 So he said to his disciples, "The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. 38 Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest."


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<B9> James 4

KJV w/Strong# - {8} Draw nigh <1448> to God <2316>, and he will draw nigh <1448> to you...

NRSV - 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you...

TEV - "Friendship with the World" - 7 So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! 9 Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.


<B10> Psalm 24

KJV w/Strong# - {3} Who <04310> shall ascend <05927> into the hill <02022> of the LORD <03068>? or who <04310> shall stand <06965> in his holy <06944> place <04725>? {4} He that hath clean <05355> hands <03709>, and a pure <01249> heart <03824>; who <0834> hath not lifted <05375> up his soul <05315> unto vanity <07723>, nor <03808> sworn <07650> deceitfully <04820>. {5} He shall receive <05375> the blessing <01293> from the LORD <03068>, and righteousness <06666> from the God <0430> of his salvation <03468>.

NRSV - 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation.

TEV - "The Great King" - 3 Who has the right to go up the LORD's hill? Who may enter his holy Temple? 4 Those who are pure in act and in thought, who do not worship idols or make false promises. 5 The LORD will bless them and save them; God will declare them innocent. 6 Such are the people who come to God, who come into the presence of the God of Jacob.


<B11> Psalm 5

KJV w/Strong# - {3} My voice <06963> shalt thou hear <08085> in the morning <01242>, O LORD <03068>; in the morning <01242> will I direct <06186> [my prayer] unto thee, and will look <06822> up.

NRSV - 3 O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.

TEV - "A Prayer for Protection" - 1 Listen to my words, O LORD, and hear my sighs. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my God and king! I pray to you, O LORD; 3 you hear my voice in the morning; at sunrise I offer my prayer and wait for your answer.


<B12> Psalm 51

KJV w/Strong# - {2} Wash <03526> me throughly <07235> from mine iniquity <05771>, and cleanse <05352> me from my sin <02403>.

{6} Behold <02005>, thou desirest <02654> truth <0571> in the inward <02910> parts: and in the hidden <05640> [part] thou shalt make me to know <03045> wisdom <02451>.

{11} Cast <07993> me not away from thy presence <06440>; and take <03947> not thy holy <06944> spirit <07307> from me. {12} Restore <07725> unto me the joy <08342> of thy salvation <03468>; and uphold <05564> me [with thy] free <05082> spirit <07307>.

{17} The sacrifices <02077> of God <0430> [are] a broken <07665> spirit <07307>: a broken <07665> and a contrite <01794> heart <03820>, O God <0430>, thou wilt not despise <0959>.

NRSV - 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

6 You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

TEV - "A Prayer for Forgiveness" - 1 Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! 2 Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin!

6 Sincerity and truth are what you require; fill my mind with your wisdom. 7 Remove my sin, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; and though you have crushed me and broken me, I will be happy once again. 9 Close your eyes to my sins and wipe out all my evil. 10 Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me. 12 Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. 13 Then I will teach sinners your commands, and they will turn back to you. 14 Spare my life, O God, and save me, and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness. 15 Help me to speak, Lord, and I will praise you. 16 You do not want sacrifices, or I would offer them; you are not pleased with burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.


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<B13> John 8

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Jesus <2424> went <4198> unto the mount <3735> of Olives <1636>. {2} And early <3722> in the morning he came <3854> again <3825> into <1519> the temple <2411>, and all <3956> the people <2992> came <2064> unto him; and he sat <2523> down <2523>, and taught <1321> them. {3} And the scribes <1122> and Pharisees <5330> brought <71> unto him a woman <1135> taken <2638> in adultery <3430>; and when they had set <2476> her in the midst <3319>, {4} They say <3004> unto him, Master <1320>, this <3778> woman <1135> was taken <2638> in adultery <3431>, in the very <1888> act <1888>. {5} Now <1161> Moses <3475> in the law <3551> commanded <1781> us, that such <5108> should be stoned <3036>: but what <5101> sayest <3004> thou? {6} This <5124> they said <3004>, tempting <3985> him, that they might have <2192> to accuse <2723> him. But Jesus <2424> stooped <2955> down <2736>, and with [his] finger <1147> wrote <1125> on <1519> the ground <1093>, [as though he heard them not]. {7} So <1161> when <5613> they continued <1961> asking <2065> him, he lifted <352> up himself, and said <2036> unto them, He that is without <361> sin <361> among you, let him first <4413> cast <906> a stone <3037> at <1909> her. {8} And again <3825> he stooped <2955> down <2736>, and wrote <1125> on <1519> the ground <1093>. {9} And they which heard <191> [it], being convicted <1651> by [their own] conscience <4893>, went <1831> out one <1527> by one <1527>, beginning <756> at <575> the eldest <4245>, [even] unto the last <2078>: and Jesus <2424> was left <2641> alone <3441>, and the woman <1135> standing <2476> in the midst <3319>. {10} When Jesus <2424> had lifted <352> up himself, and saw <2300> none <3367> but <4133> the woman <1135>, he said <2036> unto her, Woman <1135>, where <4226> are those <1565> thine <4675> accusers <2725>? hath no <3762> man <3762> condemned <2632> thee? {11} She said <2036>, No <3762> man <3762>, Lord <2962>. And Jesus <2424> said <2036> unto her, Neither <3761> do I condemn <2632> thee: go <4198>, and sin <264> no more <3371>.

NRSV - 1 while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 [[ Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, 4 they said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6 They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."]]

TEV - "The Woman Caught in Adultery" - 1 {Then everyone went home, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered around him, and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees brought in a woman who had been caught committing adultery, and they made her stand before them all. 4 "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. 5 In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?" 6 They said this to trap Jesus, so that they could accuse him. But he bent over and wrote on the ground with his finger. 7 As they stood there asking him questions, he straightened up and said to them, "Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her." 8 Then he bent over again and wrote on the ground. 9 When they heard this, they all left, one by one, the older ones first. Jesus was left alone, with the woman still standing there. 10 He straightened up and said to her, "Where are they? Is there no one left to condemn you?" 11 "No one, sir," she answered. "Well, then," Jesus said, "I do not condemn you either. Go, but do not sin again."}


[********** 5 **********]

<B14> John 16

KJV w/Strong# - {28} I came <1831> forth <1831> from the Father <3962>, and am come <2064> into <1519> the world <2889>: again <3825>, I leave <863> the world <2889>, and go <4198> to the Father <3962>.

NRSV - 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father."

TEV - "Victory over the World" - 25 "I have used figures of speech to tell you these things. But the time will come when I will not use figures of speech, but will speak to you plainly about the Father. 26 When that day comes, you will ask him in my name; and I do not say that I will ask him on your behalf, 27 for the Father himself loves you. He loves you because you love me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I did come from the Father, and I came into the world; and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." 29 Then his disciples said to him, "Now you are speaking plainly, without using figures of speech. 30 We know now that you know everything; you do not need to have someone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."


<B15> John 17

KJV w/Strong# - {1} These <5023> words spake <2980> Jesus <2424>, and lifted <1869> up his eyes <3788> to heaven <3772>, and said <2036>, Father <3962>, the hour <5610> is come <2064>; glorify <1392> thy Son <5207>, that thy Son <5207> also <2532> may glorify <1392> thee:

{25} O righteous <1342> Father <3962>, the world <2889> hath not known <1097> thee: but I have known <1097> thee, and these <3778> have known <1097> that thou hast sent <649> me. {26} And I have declared <1107> unto them thy name <3686>, and will declare <1107> [it]: that the love <26> wherewith <3739> thou hast loved <25> me may be in them, and I in them.

NRSV - 1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you,

25 "Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."

TEV - "Jesus Prays for His Disciples" - 1 After Jesus finished saying this, he looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your Son, so that the Son may give glory to you. 2 For you gave him authority over all mankind, so that he might give eternal life to all those you gave him. 3 And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 4 I have shown your glory on earth; I have finished the work you gave me to do. 5 Father! Give me glory in your presence now, the same glory I had with you before the world was made.

24 "Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. 25 Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. 26 I made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them."


<B16> 1 John 4

KJV w/Strong# - {9} In this <5129> was manifested <5319> the love <26> of God <2316> toward <1722> us, because <3754> that God <2316> sent <649> his only <3439> begotten <3439> Son <5207> into <1519> the world <2889>, that we might live <2198> through <1223> him. {10} Herein <5129> is love <26>, not that we loved <25> God <2316>, but that he loved <25> us, and sent <649> his Son <5207> [to be] the propitiation <2434> for our sins <266>.

NRSV - 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

TEV - "God Is Love" - 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. 10 This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us.


<B17> Romans 5

KJV w/Strong# - {8} ...God <2316> commendeth <4921> his love <26> toward <1519> us, in that, while we were yet <2089> sinners <268>, Christ <5547> died <599> for us.

{10} For if <1487>, when we were enemies <2190>, we were reconciled <2644> to God <2316> by the death <2288> of his Son <5207>, much <4183> more <3123>, being reconciled <2644>, we shall be saved <4982> by his life <2222>. {11} And not only <3440> [so], but we also <2532> joy <2744> in God <2316> through <1223> our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, by whom <3739> we have now <3568> received <2983> the atonement <2643>.

NRSV - 8 ...God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

TEV - "Right with God" - 6 For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. 7 It is a difficult thing for someone to die for a righteous person. It may even be that someone might dare to die for a good person. 8 But God has shown us how much he loves us -- it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! 9 By his sacrificial death we are now put right with God; how much more, then, will we be saved by him from God's anger! 10 We were God's enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Now that we are God's friends, how much more will we be saved by Christ's life! 11 But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends.


[********** 6 **********]

<B18> Hebrews 10

KJV w/Strong# - {19} Having <2192> therefore <3767>, brethren <80>, boldness <3954> to enter <1529> into the holiest <39> by the blood <129> of Jesus <2424>, {20} By a new <4372> and living <2198> way <3598>, which <3739> he hath consecrated <1457> for us, through <1223> the veil <2665>, that is to say, his flesh <4561>; {21} And [having] an high <3173> priest <2409> over <1909> the house <3624> of God <2316>; {22} Let us draw <4334> near <4334> with a true <228> heart <2588> in full <4136> assurance <4136> of faith <4102>, having our hearts <2588> sprinkled <4472> from an evil <4190> conscience <4893>, and our bodies <4983> washed <3068> with pure <2513> water <5204>. {23} Let us hold <2722> fast <2722> the profession <3671> of [our] faith <1680> without <186> wavering <186>; (for he [is] faithful <4103> that promised <1861>;) {24} And let us consider <2657> one <240> another <240> to provoke <3948> unto love <26> and to good <2570> works <2041>:

NRSV - 19 Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds,

TEV - "Let Us Come Near to God" - 19 We have, then, my brothers, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. 20 He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain -- that is, through his own body. 21 We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. 22 So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. 23 Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. 24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. 25 Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.


<B19> Galatians 3

KJV w/Strong# - {26} For ye are all <3956> the children <5207> of God <2316> by faith <4102> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.

{28} There is neither <3756> Jew <2453> nor <3761> Greek <1672>, there is neither <3756> bond <1401> nor <3761> free <1658>, there is neither <3756> male <730> nor <3761> female <2338>: for ye are all <3956> one <1520> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.

NRSV - 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.

28 There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

TEV - "The Purpose of the Law" - 26 It is through faith that all of you are God's sons in union with Christ Jesus. 27 You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. 28 So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free men, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.


<B20> Ephesians 2

KJV w/Strong# - {13} But now <3570> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> ye who <3739> sometimes <4218> were far <3112> off <3112> are made <1096> nigh <1451> by the blood <129> of Christ <5547>. {14} For he is our peace <1515>, who <3739> hath made <4160> both <297> one <1520>, and hath broken <3089> down the middle <3320> wall of partition <5418> [between us];

{18} For through <1223> him we both <297> have <2192> access <4318> by one <1520> Spirit <4151> unto the Father <3962>. {19} Now <3767> therefore <686> ye are no <3765> more <3765> strangers <3581> and foreigners <3941>, but fellowcitizens <4847> with the saints <40>, and of the household <3609> of God <2316>; {20} And are built <2026> upon the foundation <2310> of the apostles <652> and prophets <4396>, Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> himself <848> being <5607> the chief <204> corner <204> [stone]; {21} In whom <3739> all <3956> the building <3619> fitly <4883> framed <4883> together <4883> groweth <837> unto an holy <40> temple <3485> in the Lord <2962>: {22} In whom <3739> ye also <2532> are builded <4925> together <4925> for an habitation <2732> of God <2316> through <1722> the Spirit <4151>.

NRSV - 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.

18 for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

TEV - "One in Christ" - 11 You Gentiles by birth -- called "the uncircumcised" by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies) -- remember what you were in the past. 12 At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. 13 But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the sacrificial death of Christ. 14 For Christ himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people. With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies. 15 He abolished the Jewish Law with its commandments and rules, in order to create out of the two races one new people in union with himself, in this way making peace. 16 By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God. 17 So Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to all -- to you Gentiles, who were far away from God, and to the Jews, who were near to him. 18 It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father. 19 So then, you Gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer; you are now fellow citizens with God's people and members of the family of God. 20 You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself. 21 He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. 22 In union with him you too are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through his Spirit.


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